Recently, though, Mitchell’s been getting help. Calling it a “community beautification project,” he’s been accepting volunteers between the ages of 8 and 12 to help him in his fight against garbage. Parents sign a waiver granting their kids permission to pick up trash, while Mitchell provides safety gear, a trash bucket, and more. The first hour is free—Mitchell calls it the civic “honor hour”—but after that, Mitchell pays the kids in cash or in donated items like movie tickets. He says it gives kids something to do during the summer, helps keep the community clean, and even deters would-be litter bugs.

If you, or your child, would like to help, donate to, or volunteer with Greg Mitchell’s Bucket Brigade, he can be reached by phone at 907.443.5049, or via email.